Starting Five: Underrated stars to watch in 2014-15

Jul. 18, 2014
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Brigham Young Cougars guard Tyler Haws (3) shoots against the Loyola Marymount Lions during the first half in the quarterfinals of the West Coast Conference tournament at Orleans Arena. / Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports

by Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports

by Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports

NCAA tournament stars become overnight celebrities during March Madness. That's because mid-major upsets don't have a One Shining Moment without a breakout performance or clutch shot.

Here's a look at some of the most talented and underrated players on teams outside the power conferences who could make a major impact in the 2014-15 season, and of course, when the spotlight shines brighter during March.

1. Tyler Haws, Brigham Young: Haws was one of the most prolific scorers in the country last season, averaging 23.2 points a game. He erupted for 48 points in a Jan. 23 game against Portland and had six games with 30 points or more. Haws shot 43% from three-point range last year. BYU loses Eric Mika and Matt Carlino so postseason hopes will rely heavily on another dominant offensive season from Haws.

2. Kevin Pangos, Gonzaga: One player who will challenge Haws for West Coast Conference Player of the Year honors will undoubtedly be Pangos, one of Mark Few's most consistent offensive weapons over the past three seasons. Pangos (14.4 points a game) is a do-everything guard who could be the difference-maker on whether the Bulldogs are a top 10 team next season.

3. Fred VanVleet, Wichita State: His stat line - 11.6 points, 5.4 assists a game - won't jump out, but his poise and production at the point helped him win Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors last season. He directed traffic and hit clutch shots for a team that didn't lose until late March. He's the quintessential point guard for Gregg Marshall's methodical offense.

4. R.J. Hunter, Georgia State: Hunter, the coach's son, is the defending Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year after averaging 18.3 points as a sophomore. Along with key transfers Ryan Harrow (Kentucky) and Kevin Ware (Louisville), the Panthers will have a formidable backcourt.

5. Keifer Sykes, Green Bay: The Phoenix were the mid-major snub from last season's NCAA tournament after posting a solid résumé that included a win against Virginia. It was a shame because Sykes has the potential to become a breakout star. At 5-11, Sykes makes up for his size with speed and high-flying athleticism. The reigning Horizon League Player of the Year, who averaged 20.3 points and 4.9 assists, will have to make up for the loss of 7-footer Alec Brown.